There is a silent money revolution in the fertile landscape of Kenya. Young people are picking up their phones rather than plows in areas that were previously characterized by tea farms and maize fields. Forex trading has penetrated its way to the rural population providing a novel type of opportunity that is not limited to the weather and harvesting season. To most of them, it is an opportunity to escape the economic insecurity that is characteristic of agriculture. As mobile connectivity is enhanced and smartphones are becoming affordable, forex trading ceased to be a trend only in urban areas of Kenya but a trend that is picking up in rural areas.

The rhythm of everyday life is varying in the villages of Kericho, Nyeri and Meru. Farmers and their children that used to depend on crop sales only are now being educated on the global currencies and chart patterns. Trading sessions are held within small local centers or even within the comfort of small homes that have a good network of mobile. The attraction is in the possibility of generating income in the international markets and remaining local in their communities. Forex is looked upon by many as a means of supplementing unpredictable farm earnings and this is more so during dry seasons or in the market downturn which affects the price of crops.

This rural change has been largely facilitated by the growing use of internet trading platforms. Educating material on YouTube and social media has led to the interest and the self-educated traders have ventured to venture into the financial markets. The local meetings usually become unofficial learning bouts where individuals share concepts of strategies, leverage, and global news that impact currency values. With the spread of digital literacy, the rural Kenyans are increasingly confident to engage in what has been considered as an elite financial domain. Online learning materials have provided a level playing field since they have access to what the urban traders have been enjoying over the years.

The forex broker has played a major role in helping to fill the gap between these new traders and the international markets. The brokers are also looking to provide services that suit the needs of the rural customers by providing mobile friendly platforms and easy account opening services. Others even conduct local workshops in which they educate on risk management and responsible trading habits. Through the integration of education and access, the forex broker is making the rural traders realize that they need patience and discipline to be successful rather than be fortunate. This individual relationship is assisting de-mystification of the industry and providing the traders a feeling of validity and self-confidence in their choices.

Despite these developments, there are still issues. The stability of the internet is not very reliable in certain remote locations and most traders cannot access reliable information or professional guidance. It is also easy to gamble with trading and such an attitude normally results in frustration and loss. Nevertheless, the increased understanding of such traps is leading to the formation of communities that are becoming smarter with forex. Peer groups are created to exchange lessons learnt and to promote smarter, long-term involvement as opposed to emotional, short-term judgement.

The rural transformation of Kenya by forex trading shows a wider trend of transformation in the country of digital entrepreneurship. The integration of traditional living with modern finance has formed a special hybrid economy in which technology and ambitious lives co-exist. With further penetration of connectivity, it is likely that more individuals in the rural setting will seek means of getting involved in the global financial system. The transformation of the tea farms in rural Kenya to trading desks which under improved regulation, education and responsible broker backing, might have become one of the most encouraging financial tales in Africa, as opportunity may flourish even in places where crops fail at times.